Huano Caramel Latte vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Gateron Type L, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct characteristics to suit different typing preferences. The Huano Caramel Latte is celebrated for its medium actuation weight of 50g and its bright, clacky sound profile, providing a smooth and engaging typing experience that enhances every keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Type L is the lightest switch in its series at just 45g to bottom out, featuring a more subdued and deeper acoustic profile that promotes a quieter environment while typing. Both switches have their unique appeal—the Caramel Latte is ideal for those seeking tactile feedback and auditory excitement, while the Type L caters to users who prefer a feather-light touch and a more understated sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and Gateron Type L switches present a fascinating comparison, particularly in terms of their top housings. The Caramel Latte utilizes a POK material known for its low coefficient of friction and superior durability, providing a smooth typing experience and exceptional resilience. With a friction coefficient of 0.04, this material is designed for performance, maintaining a consistent feel with repeated use. In contrast, the Type L features a nylon top housing characterized by its softer nature, which yields a deeper sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. While the top housing of the Caramel Latte is designed for durability and a noteworthy smoothness, the Type L’s nylon aims to create a more rounded and muted acoustic experience.
Interestingly, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which fosters a similar acoustic character between the two. Nylon's softer structure contributes to a richer and fuller sound profile by effectively dampening vibrations. This acoustic quality remains consistent between both switches, highlighting a strong foundation for sound characteristics regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. Hence, while their top housings present distinct attributes—smoothness versus tonal depth—the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users experience comparable sound responses when typing on both switches.
When combining these differences and similarities, it's clear that the typing experience derived from each switch is influenced by the specific housing materials used. The Caramel Latte, with its POK top housing, offers a unique combination of smoothness and durability, ideal for those who favor a tactile and responsive feel. Meanwhile, the Type L's nylon top housing emphasizes sound absorption, catering to users who appreciate a more muted auditory feedback. Despite this contrast, both switches benefit from enhanced sound qualities provided by their identical nylon bottom housings, ensuring that, at their core, both switches deliver a rich and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the Gateron Type L linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Gateron Type L has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Type L requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it easier to type for extended periods, which many users might find beneficial for work or intensive gaming sessions. Additionally, the Gateron Type L has a lower bottom out force, providing a softer feel upon bottoming out compared to the Caramel Latte. Overall, while both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, those preferring a lighter touch should lean towards the Gateron Type L, while the Huano Caramel Latte will appeal to users seeking a more substantial push feel due to its heavier force requirements.
Travel distance
The Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Type L linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In comparing the two, the Caramel Latte provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Type L, with its longer 4 mm travel, might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial and deep key press. Individuals who favor responsiveness and a more abrupt feel would likely gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, whereas those who appreciate a hearty depth in their typing experience might find the Gateron Type L more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding the balance between speed and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
The Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Huano Caramel Latte switches deliver a bright and clacky profile that brings a lively character to your typing experience. This can be particularly pleasurable for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Type L switches lean towards a deeper, more subdued sound profile, providing a neutral acoustic experience that may be less obtrusive in quieter environments. This neutrality, along with a somewhat dampened auditory output, makes the Type L more versatile for use in both home and office settings, where the noise level can be a significant consideration.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switches offer a smooth typing experience with a medium weight of 50g bottom-out force, striking a balance between satisfying resistance and comfortable key presses. This weight ensures that while the switches are enjoyable to type on, they also provide enough feedback to riders who enjoy a bit of a workout for their fingers. Conversely, the Gateron Type L switches are the lightest at only 45g to bottom out, providing a feathery touch that requires very little effort to actuate. This ease of pressing reduces finger fatigue, making the Type L switches a great choice for those who type for extended periods, such as gamers or professionals engaged in long writing sessions.
In summary, if you're looking for a lively sound profile and a balanced feel, the Huano Caramel Latte is a solid pick, providing both audio and tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prefer a more discreet sound and a feather-light typing experience, the Gateron Type L will serve you well with its easy-to-press design. Despite their differences, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences suited to different preferences, so the choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or ease of use in your typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a moderately weighted switch with a vibrant, clacky sound that enhances the tactile experience and you’re looking for a smooth typing feel, the Caramel Latte, with its 55g bottom-out force, is likely the ideal choice for you. This type of switch is great for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback and a balanced resistance that provides a satisfying typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and office tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter touch and a subtler sound profile for comfort during long periods of typing—whether for work, school, or gaming—the Gateron Type L with its 45g bottom-out force will serve you better. Its feathery feel and subdued acoustics are designed to minimize finger fatigue, making it easy to press and ideal for long-lasting use. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile presence or a featherlight typing experience that allows for extended comfort.
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